# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

E338 (Phosphoric Acid / H3PO4) is a mineral inorganic acid providing a uniquely dry, tangy, astringent sourness. INS 338, group ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day (as phosphorus), the quintessential acidulant in cola beverages and processed cheeses.

View full E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) spec sheet →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
E-Number Code
E338 E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 338 INS 471
Functional Class
Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, Sequestrant, Emulsifying Salt Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
40 mg / kg body weight per day (Group ADI as phosphorus) Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Primary Mechanism
Lowers beverage pH to ~2.5 with a clean, sharp, non-fruity tang; retards bacterial outgrowth Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Cola soft drinks, root beers, processed cheese melts, sports hydration drinks Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (Mineral phosphate synthesis), Halal, Kosher Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.1073) EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)
Chemical Formula
H3PO4 (pKa1 2.15)
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →